Eid Al Ahda: Time for a sweet celebration

Eid is a time for celebration and joy. It's a time for getting together with the family, exchanging gifts with loved ones, and most importantly sitting together to indulge in some traditional festive delights - desserts and sweets feature high on the day.
While it's easy to find places in Dubai selling festive sweets, it's not easy to find places that prepare traditional, homemade desserts. Now, a Dubai home-based Emirati bakery is endeavouring to provide you with simple, homemade, wholesome desserts - just like they used to make it at home back in the day.
The notion for the bakery sparked off with a simple idea. It was conceptualised after family and friends found the sweets made at the home of Noor Jamal, irresistible, so much so, they kept on demanding more - this ultimately led to the setting up of Halawat Baitna.
It's interesting to note, Halawat Baitna (meaning homemade sweets in Arabic), draws its inspiration from family traditions like the simple pleasures of cooking - melting chocolate, mixing the batter and the process of creating these homemade treats. The trials and tribulations while perfecting delicacies are many, but the proof is in seeing people relish the sweet dishes, says Noor.
Leaving a lasting impression is what Halawat Baitna aims for because, for them, memories are etched forever.
Unlike some other bakeries, Halawat Baitna's desserts are light on the stomach and you will never feel over-stuffed even after consuming large portions, which make them perfect for a celebration. And when it comes to pricing, agreed traditional, authentic sweets can be expensive, but Halawat Baitna has kept their rates affordable so that everyone can enjoy the desserts, be it children, teenagers or adults.
Desserts with a twist
1 Babousas: A modern twist and design has been given to this traditional Arabic dessert which features individual cakes made from semolina flour and coconut, topped with crushed pistachios and rose petals. This signature dessert is perfect for an afternoon tea session.
2 Date Tarts: The finest quality of dates are used in the making of these mini tarts. They are stuffed with dates, a special sauce, and chopped walnuts. The tarts go well with Arabic coffee and come in boxes, gold-coloured plates or glass jars.
3 Nutella Cups: The Nutella dessert is best served cold. It is delivered in round plates.
4 Date Cake:This moist cake (mini or full) is made from the finest dates and is served with butter scotch sauce topped with crushed rose petals and pistachios. It is best served warm with a side of vanilla ice cream.
5 Hazelnut Tarts: Biscuits form the base of these tarts which are then filled with special chocolate and topped with shaved milk chocolate. It is served in gold-coloured plates.
A healthy blend of ingredients
Halawat Baitna's recipes combine Arabic as well as other ingredients. Though the recipes have been in use for years, the bakery is continuously experimenting with new items to satisfy the changing tastes of customers.
How to get your hands on these yummy desserts
Halawat Baitna delivers to most locations in the UAE. You could also opt to pick up your order from Spinneys (Al Wasl Road). Orders can be placed a day or two in advance via WhatsApp (0552506709) or email halawatbaitna@gmail.com
 
 
 

• Food and Dining